Apparatus for stretching and drying laundered articles



Dec; 1s, 192s. 1.565.512

A. O. SCHRAMM APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND DRYING LAUNDERED ARTICLESFiled April 17. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Het JJ 3.

X a I b l, i

Dec. l5 1925- 1.565.512

A. Q, scHRAMM l APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND DRYING LAUNDERED ARTILESFiled April 17. 19: 4 sheets-sheet 2 f1 Dec. 15 1925.

A. O. SCHRAMM APPARATUS Fon STRETCHING AND DRUNG LAUNDERED ARTICLESFiled April 17. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 15, 1925 1.565.512

A. o. scHhAMM y APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND DRI'ING` LAUNDERED ARTICLES'Filed April 17 1924 4 sheets-sheet 4 I J l venting accidental movementoi' said mem-` Patented Dec. 15, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT O. SCI-IRAMM, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR TO SCHRAMMMANUFAC- TURING COMPANY. OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, A CORPORATION OFMISSOURI.

APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND DRYING LAUNDERED ARTICLES.

Application inea April 17, 1924. *serial No. 707,153.

To all whom if may conce/rn Be it known that I, Anissn'r O.iioi-InAiwmr,`

a citizen of the United States, residing at St. Louis, Missouri, haveinvented a new and use't'ul Apparatus for Stretching and DryingLaundered Articles, of which the following is a specilication.

This invention relates to an apparatus for stretching and dryinglaundered articles.

An object 'of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus forstretching and drying laundered articles of different widths and lengthsincluding a drying cabinet, and means for .si retchino and supportingthe articles across t ie top of the cabinet during the drying process.

Another object of the invention is to pro-- vide an improved frame forsupporting the articles in the cabinet during the drying operation.

Another object is to provide an improved locking device for holding theframe in position, and means for releasingr the locking device fromeither .side of the cabinet.

Another object is to provide a device of the character mentionedincluding a pair of longitudinal members for engaging the side edges ofthe articles and having gear connection with stationary parts of theframe to hold said members in proper alinement during movement thereofto ditlerent adjusted positions, and locking means for prebers.

Other objects will appear from the iollowing description, referencebeingmade to the drawings in which- Fie: 1 is a plan view of the invention.

Fi, 2 is a side elevation.

Fig. 3 a plan view of the device with the stretching frame positionededgewise in the cabinet and showing the heating means and air ducts.

Fig. Ll is an end view of the apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view Vof the frame on the line 5 5 ofFig. 1.

6 is an inverted plan view of one of the longitudinal-ly adjustablemembers.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the member shown in Fig. 6,taken on thev line T-Y of Fig. 1. n

Fig. S is a sectional view ,showing detalls of the invention, taken onthe line 8 8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a detailed View showing one of the article engaging membersand means for holding the same in different adjustments. f f

Fig. 11 is a view showing a diierent form of article engaging member andmeans for holding the same in diiierent adjustments.

vFig. 12 is a detailed view of the locking device for holding the rotaryframe in a horizontal position.

Fig. 13 is a perspective View showing thel construction of the sidemembers of the frame.

The cabinet comprises side and end walls 1 and a horizontal bottom wall2. A number of air inlets 3 (Fig. 2) open through the side walls intotransverse air ducts l provided with openings 5 permitting air to enterthe cabinet near the bottom. A heating coil 6 is located within and nearthe bottom of the cabinet having an inlet connection 7 and an outletconnection 8. The cool air entering the cabinet through the air chiots4- causes the heated air to rise in the cabinet into contact with thearticles supported by the frame. l n

Each end wall of the cabinet has a bearing 9 (Figs. l: and 8) in whichan axle 10 Ain the form of a tube or shaft is journaled for rotation.

v rlhe stretching and drying frame is supported by the axle 10 and, asshown7 comprises end members 11 (Figs. 5 and 8) in the a sectional viewon the line 9--9 l formof channels having their side lianges extendingoutwardly. Each of the frame members 11 is rigidly connected with theaxle 10 by a pair of clamp members 12 cmbracing the axle 1() betweenthem and having flanges 13 bolted to the channel members 11. Additionalrigidity of the connection is obtained by bolts 14 passing through eachpair of clalnp members 11 and' through the axle 10.

Each side member of the frame includes a channel member (Figs. 10, 11and 13) having its ends rigidly connect-ed with the end members 11. Theflanges 15 of the side members extend inwardly andv have verticalextensions 16 bent to provide outwardly extended [langes 17. At properlyspaced intervals holes 18 are formed through the vertical extensions 16along their line of union with the flanges 17, and a sc'ale (Figs. and11) formed upon the outer surfaces of the flanges designating the holes18 and facilitating adjustment of the article engaging members forarticles of different measurements.

One of the article engaging members comprises a rod 19 (Figs. 1 and 10)adapted to be passed through a loop of a curtain or other article. Areduced end 2O of said rod is arranged to pass through any one of theholes 18. The opposite end of the rod has a reduced portion 21 andinwardly therefrom is encircled by a coiled spring 22 of the expansiontype, the inner end of which bears against a collar 23 on the rod. Byreference to Fig. 10 it will be seen that when the rod has its reducedends and 21 engaged in the holes 18 the spring 22 will retain the rod insuch position.

Another article engaging member comprises a transverse channel bar 24C(Fig. 11) having a reduced extension 25 on one end and a pair of spacedreduced extended portions 26 on the opposite end designed and adapted toengage in a pair of spaced holes 18 to hold the channel bar fromturning. Coiled springs 27 encircle the parts 26 and hold the channelbar in proper position. Yrrithin the channel of said bar a strip 2S ofcurtain wire bristles is secured. the upper end of which is somewhatabove the lianges of the channel bar 2d; so that said wires will engagethe curtain or article. By proper adjustment of the article engagingmembers 19 and 2+ a curtain or other article may be stretchedlongitudinally for dry ing.

Each-of the outwardly extended flanges of the end members 11 has a strip29 attached thereto and each of said strips 29 supports a'longitudinalmass of curtain wire bristles 30 with which a curtain or other fabricmay be engaged.

The end frame members 11 support channel bars 31 (Figs. 5 and 8) withJtheir flanges extending inwardly. Upon each of the flanges of the barsB1 a transverse rack Y32 is secured by spot welding or otherwise,

and the longitinilinal laterally adjustable curtain engaging members arecooperatively connected with said racks. In the embodiment of theinvention shown there are two longitudinal laterally adjustable fabricengaging members, each composed of an inverted channel bar 83 havingclips or braclets 3st (Figs. and 7) in connection therewith extendingunder the flanges of the bars 31 to support said members in connect-ionwith the frame when said frame is inverted. Each of the channel bars 31supports device to prevent accidental rotation of each of the shafts 36is provided, the same comprising a rod 3S (Figs. 6 and 7) supported l bythe brackets and actuated into engagement with one of the pinions 37 oneacih shaft 86 by a spring 39. One or more handles -tO is attac-hed toeach of the rods 8S and extend outwardly through the slots in thechannel bars 3B for manual engagement and operation. TWhen it is desired-to adjust either of the bars it is necessary only to disengage the rodi8 from the pinions 37 and hold it disengaged during lateral movement ofthe bar 33. After the bar has been properly positioned it may be locked,by permitting the rod 38 to engage the pinion 3T. Each of the bars 33supports a strip of curtain wire bristles 11.

rlhe frame includes a transverse tube or shaft L12 at each side of theaxle 10, the outer ends of said shafts L12 being rigid with the sidemembers of the frame, and the inner ends of said shafts being connectedwith the fitting L13 (Fig. 1) rigid with the axle 10.

Aangular bars 11 (Fig. 9) are attached to the axle l() and similar anglebars #i5 are attached to the shaft -12 (Fig. llates 11G have their inneredges attached to the angle bars 1st and 'Y1-5. and their outer edgesattached to angle bars 17 in connection with the frame mcn'ibers. T heplates J16 prevent rapid escape ofi heat from "ithin the drying cabinetwhen the frame is turned to horizontal position to siujiport a launderedarticle in the cabinet for drying.

Fach of the side walls 1 of the cabinet has a hole d'8 (Fig. 12) inwhich lock bolts i9 are pivoted. Each of the side frame members 15 has ahole 50 in which the inner ends of the lock bolts 49 engage to hold theframe in a horizontal position. Springs 51 actuate the lock bolts 419into engagement with the frame. The lock bolts 49 are connected lwithreleasing levers 52 supported by the side walls of the cabinet and thereleasing levers are connected by a wire 53 so that operation of one ofsaid levers to release the adjacent lock bolt f1-9 operates the otherlever to release the other lock bolt 49.

From the foregoing it will be seen that my invention is a perfecteddevice and obtains all of its intended objects and purposes in a highlyefficient and convenient manner. It may be manipulated easily andwithout special training and is of strong and compact construction. Theinvention is capable of wide variation as to dimension and other detailsand I do not restrict myself unessentially in 'any such particulars.

That I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. An apparatusof the character described, comprising a cabinet, a frame supported forrotation on a horizontal axis near the top of the cabinet, means forlocking the frame in horizontal position across the top of the cabinet,and a device for releasing said locking means to permit said frame to berotated independently of said means.

2. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinet, aframe supported for rotation on a horizontal axis near the top of thecabinet, means for locking the frame in horizontal position across thetop of the cabinet, means for heating the interior of the cabinet,.adevice for releasing said locking means to permit said frame to berotated independently of said locking scribed, a frame comprisingchannel vend members having their flanges extending outwardly, channelbars attached to said end members and having their flanges extendinginwardly, side frame members rigid with said' end members, racks uponthe flanges of said channel bars adjacent to said end inembers, alongitudinal bar, a shaft vrotativ'elv connected with said longitudinalbar, pinions on said shaft meshing with said racks, and means forlocking said pinions from rotation.

8. In an `apparatus of the character described, a frame comprisingchannel end members having their flanges extending outwardly, channelbars attached to said end members and having their flanges extendinginwardly, side frame members rigid with said end members racks u on theflanges of said chziiineLLrsidjaaqentmto said`en-d'mbers, a longitndincsli'ftwitatively MAW, Ms """M-w "M" w.. .M., ...J means, and means foradmitting air into fnnect'l with said longitudinal bar, pimons thecabinet.

3. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinet, aframe supported for rotation on a horizontal axis near the top of thecabinet, means for locking the frame in horizontal position across thetop of the cabinet, means for heating the interior of the cabinet, adevice for releasing said locking means to permit said frame to berotated independently of said locking means, and means for admitting airinto the cabinet below said heating means.

4f. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinet openat the top, a frame supported for rotation-'on a horizontal axis nearthe open top of the cabinet, a locking device for locking said frame ina horizontal position, and means on each side of the cabinet forreleasing said locking device to permit the frame to be turned on itsaxis.

5. An appara-tus of the character described, coinprising a cabinethaving an open top, a frame supported within and near the pmtliecabifmelif "ting laundered a1;ti.cl.es` (rn the frame, a heating devicewithin the mclowaid frame, and means for ad,- mitting air into thecabinet below said heating device.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, a frame comprisingchannel end members having their flanges extending` outwardly, channelbars attached to said end members and having their flanges extendinginwardly, sidel frame members rigid j with said end members, racks uponthe flanges of said channel bars adjacent to said end members, alongitudinal bar, a shaft rotatively connected with said longitudinalbar, and pinions on said shaft meshing with said racks.

i', In an apparatus of the Character deonsaid-shaft"meshing "with saidracks, and ineansin" connection 'with said longitudinal bareiiga'glng'both of said channel bars and holding--saidvlongitudinal barsin connecn tion wih'saidzfframe.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, a frame comprisingchannel end members having their flanges extending ontwardiy, channelbars attached to said end members and having their flanges extending`inwardly, side frame .members rigid with said end members, racks uponthe flanges of said channel bars adjacent to said end meinbers, alongitudinal bar, a shaft rotatively connected with said longitudinalbar, pinions on said shaft meshing with said racks, means in connectionwith said longitudinal bar engaging both of said channel bars andholding said longitudinal bars in connection with said frame, and meansfor locking said pinions fiom rotation.

1 l0. An apparatus ofthe character described, comprising acabinet'having an open top, a fiame supported for rotation on ahorizontal axis within the cabinet and near the open top thereof, meansclosing the space between the side and end members of said frame, andmeans for holding a fabric in connection with the frame.

1l. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinethaviiig an open top, a frame supported for rotation on a horizontal axiswithin the cabinet and near the open top thereof, means closing thespace between the side and end members of said frame, means for holdinga fabric in connection with the frame, a device for heating the interiorof the cabinet, and means for admitting air into thecabinet below saidheating device.

l2. In an apparatus of the character described, a frame, a pair ofparallel racks in Connection with said traine, bnr, means.

IOO

for holding said bar in connection with said frame, a. pair of pinionsrotatively connected with said bar and meshing with said racks, andmeans in connection with said bar for engaging a fabric.

13. In an apparatus of the characterU described, a frame, a pair ofparallel racks in connection with said frame, a bar, means for holdingsaid bar in connection With said frame, a pair o-f ninions rotativelyconnected with said bar and meshing with said racks, means in connectionWith said bar for engaging a. fabric, and a locking device for engagingand preventing rotation of one of said pinions.

14.1111 apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinetcomposed of a bottom Wall, side Walls and end walls, and said cabinethaving an open top; in combination with a frame supported for rotationon a horizontal axis Within the cabinet and near the open top thereof;means for supporting fabrics in connectionwith opposite sides of theframe; a partition in the frame preventing the passa ge of air throughthe frame; and means for heating the interior of the cabinet below theframe,

15.13.11 apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinetcomposed of a bottom Wall, side Walls and end Walls, and said cabinethaving an open top; in combination with a frame supported for rotationon a horizontal axis Within the cabinet and near the open top thereof;means for supporting fabrics in connection with opposite sides of theframe; a partition in the frame preventing the passage of air throughthe frame; means for locking the frame in connection with the cabinet toprevent the frame from turning and with either side of the frame towardthe interior of the cabinet; and means for heating the interior of thecabinet below the frame.

16. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinetcomposed of a. bottom Wall, side Walls and end Walls, and said cabinethaving an open top; in con'ibination with a frame supported for rotationon a horizontal axis Within the cabinet and near the open top thereof;means for supporting fabrics in connection with opposite sides of theframe; a partition in the frame preventing the passage of air throughthe frame; means for locking the frame in connection with the cabinet toprevent the frame from turning and with either side of the frame towardthe interior of the cabinet; means for heating the interior ofthecabinet below the frame; and means for admitting air into the cabinetbelow said heating means.

17. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinet havingan open top, a frame supported for rotation upon a horizontal axisWithin the cabinet and near the open top thereof, means for locking theframe in connection with the cabinet in either one of tivo positions, apartition in the frame preventing passage of air therethrough, and meansfor supporting fabrics in connect-ion With the frame at opposite sidesof said partition.

18. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a cabinet havingan open top, a frame supported for rotation upon a horizontal axisWithin the cabinet and near the open top thereof, means for locking theframe in connection With the cabinet in either one of tivo positions, apartition in the frame preventingpassage of air therethrough, means forsupporting fabrics in connection with the frame at opposite sides ofsaid partition, and devices for holding said supporting means indifferent adjusted positions on the frame.

19. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a frameincluding side members having holes therethrough, a rod for engaging oneend of a fabric releasably engaged in said holes, a bar, projections onsaid bar releasably engaged in certain of said holes and spaced fromsaid rod, springs foi-.holding said bar in position, and means inconnection with said bar for engaging the fabric that is engaged withsaid rod.

20. An apparatus of' the character de scribed, comprising a frameincluding side members having holes therethrough, a rod for engaging oneend of a fabric releasably engaged in said holes, a bar, projections onsaid bar releasably engaged in certain of said holes and spaced fromsaid rod, springs for holding said bar in position, means in connectionWith said bar for engaging the fabric that is engaged With said rod, anddevices supported at right angles to said bar and rod for engaging theside edges of the fabric.

21.. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a frameincluding side members having holes therethrough, a rod for engaging oneend of a fabric releasably engaged in said holes, a bar, projections onsaid bar releasably engaged in certain of said holes and spaced fromsaid rod, springs for holding said bar in position, means in connectionWith said bar for engaging the fabric that is engaged With said rod,devices supported at right angles to said bar and rod for engaging theside edges of the fabric, and means for holding said devices indiiferent adjusted positions.

ALBERT O. SCHRAMM.

